ARTIFICIAL REEFS

To many people, the term reef brings to mind a scene of picturesque tropical coral reefs with schools of brightly colored fish swimming through crystal clear waters and a maze of intricate coral heads, swaying sea fans and large sponges. In our part of the Gulf of Mexico however, this type of coral reef habitat is replaced by what we call “hard bottom” or “live bottom” areas.

     These reefs occur in specific locations, usually in the form of limestone outcroppings, which serve as a point of attachment and colonization for sponges, corals and other sealife. In some cases where significant rock is exposed through the otherwise sandy bottom, vertical relief and ledges add to the complexity of the habitat and provide space and homes for many other reef inhabitants.

While these areas are known for their productivity of snapper, grouper, amberjack and other targeted species, they only comprise approximently 5% of the bottom of our area. In addition to this, the federal government, specifically the National Marine Fisheries Service, has determined that it is necessary to close all fishing activity in three of the most productive areas. These areas are known locally as “Madisons,” “Swansons” and “Steamboat Ridge” and total more than 200 square miles of fishing area.

Therefore, to enhance recreational fishing and to increase the amount of productive hard bottom habitat available, we feel we must, (with significant help from nature) create additional manmade or artificial reefs.